Living with cancer blog

How to manage hand-foot syndrome from chemotherapy

Hand-foot syndrome is a side effect that may occur with specific types of chemotherapy treatments. It's a skin reaction that occurs on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.

Mild symptoms may include:

Redness

Swelling

Tingling or burning

Sensitivity to touch

Severe symptoms include:

Skin tightness and callus formation

Cracked and peeling skin

Blisters and sores

Pain — which can be so severe that may cause difficulty walking or using the hands

Certain types of chemotherapy are more likely to cause hand-foot syndrome. The cause stems from exposure of the chemotherapy medication which leaks into the cells from the small blood vessels called capillaries.

This causes damage to the skin cells in the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Heat, friction and pressure from daily activities on your hands and feet can contribute to the formation of the skin reaction.

There are prevention strategies you can use to reduce the chance of developing hand-foot syndrome. You may want to use them during the first six weeks of treatment. They include:

Avoid exposure to hot water when washing dishes, showering or bathing — instead use cool water and take short showers using tepid water.

Don't rub your skin with a towel after bathing — instead pat dry.

Avoid pressure on the soles of the feet or the palms of the hands such as jogging, strenuous exercise, or spending long hours on your feet.

Avoid using tools or other utensils that require you to strongly squeeze, press or grip with your hands.

Gently apply moisturizing creams that are non-irritating — do not rub or massage cream into your skin.

Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing and shoes.

Cool your hands and feet with an ice pack or cool pack — alternating on and off no longer than 15 minutes at a time.

If you notice your hands and feet are getting red and tender, notify your provider. Many times your chemotherapy dosage can be held or reduced to prevent additional or severe symptoms. Your provider may also suggest mild pain relievers and other strategies to manage your symptoms.

Reprint Permissions

A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.